Running latest version of Win 10 Pro updated to latest. I used msconfig to boot into diagnostic mode to fix a printer problem. When Windows opened it said my Pin was not usable and that I should use my password. I haven't used the password in a long time and have forgotten it. I tried every Microsoft, Live password I have saved, but all were rejected. I tried to reset the password and that, too, was rejected.
How do I get back to Normal boot?
Do you have an installation usb, or can you create one on another computer, using Media Creation tool? If so, use it to boot to Windows RE, repair computer then in Recovery Options, select command prompt, enter bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot then exit to Windows, unplugging usb
If you don't have and can't create install usb, you might be able to enter WinRE Troubleshoot environment by powering off your desktop, power on and immediately power off when screen lights up and repeat 3 times but no guarantee like above method.
Create repair usb from here, using Download tool now - Windows 10 ISO
I do have installation usb and that sounds like the best solution. Do I have to go to the BIOS to set it to boot freom the thumb drive I have the installation stuff on?
When I boot with my USB drive, it goes to Macrium. I can get to a command prompt from there. Is that where I enter the command I was given above. If not, how do I get to WindowsRE from Macrium?
Try the Macrium command prompt, should be in PE mode. Is Macrium on an ext drive or usb? If command prompt in Macrium fails, change the boot order in the bios so your Win10 usb is at top of boot order and/or disconnect Macrium.
Macrium command prompt failed. The USB I have was created with Macrium. Should I just use another stick with only tshe media creation tool on it?
Did you try just restoring the Macrium image? If it's not too old, should revert system to prior state but you'll lose new files and programs since snapshot.
If that's not an option, create a separate Win10 repair usb using Media creation tool. Good to have anyway, since you can use it on any Win10 system. That will get you into the options shown in tutorial in post 5 which is helpful to review so you know what dialogues to expect. Good Luck
I have a Macrium image done a couple of days ago. Can I restore only my C drive, which contains windows, or does the image restore every drive?
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When I follow the directions in post #2 and enter bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot at the command prompt -- X:\ Sources -- I get an answer saying an error occured while attempting to delete the sprecified data element. Element not found.
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